TikTok is a global community where over a billion people come to connect, share their passions, and find inspiration. A springboard for discovery, TikTok creators show us every day that one spark can lead anywhere, from sharing new recipes to inspiring someone to find their new favorite hobby.
Today, TikTok unveils The Discover List 2026, a global showcase highlighting 50 creators to watch across five categories: Educators, Foodies, Icons, Innovators, and Originators.
These creators have a gift for storytelling, building worlds where curiosity leads to discovery and all communities are welcomed. TikTok spotlighted two creators from the MENA region on the Discover List: @ramysoli, featured in the foodies category and whose passion for food goes beyond, bringing culture, flavour and shared experiences through compelling culinary storytelling; and @yasmeen_alshafai, featured in the Icons category for her ability to shape culture, spark conversation and inspire her community through authentic, creative expression. Together, they represent the depth of talent emerging from the region, forging new paths for creativity and making an impact on TikTok and beyond.
Their recognition also reflects the rapid evolution of the creator ecosystem across the Middle East and North Africa. Creators are now building highly engaged communities, driving cultural trends, and contributing to a new era of digital entrepreneurship across the region. The inclusion of MENA voices on this year’s Discover List underscores the growing global relevance of the region’s creative economy, highlighting how local storytelling, cultural authenticity, and community-first content are resonating at scale and shaping conversations well beyond geographic borders.
“At TikTok we are committed to celebrating our inspiring creator community. Today we are thrilled to unveil The Discover List 2026 — a highlight of 50 creators to watch from around the world,” said James Stafford, Global Head of Content Operations, TikTok,”From the Educators who are inspiring their communities to learn something new, to the Originators who share their businesses with global audiences on TikTok, we are proud to be a space where new talent can be discovered and authenticity and creativity can thrive.”
The list celebrates creators from across the world, spanning regions including the Middle East, Africa, Europe, Asia, Australia, and the Americas, reflecting the truly global nature of creativity on TikTok. Check out the full list of creators on The Discover List 2026 Lookbook here.
Educators
Educators fuel our sense of discovery, energizing our community to learn, build new skills, and broaden horizons, one inspiring post at a time. From making science fun and accessible to fostering a sense of wonder about the natural world, these creators inform, entertain, and invite us to join the conversation. This year’s Educators on The Discover List 2026 represent a diverse group of voices from the United States, the United Kingdom, Nigeria, Australia, Japan, Mexico, New Zealand, and Indonesia, showcasing how knowledge-sharing transcends borders.
Foodies
From acclaimed restaurateurs to passionate home chefs, Foodies share mouthwatering dishes and crave-worthy cuisine from every corner of the world, igniting new #FoodTok trends everywhere they go. These creators transport us through taste, leading us to discover bold new flavours or time-honored recipes, all brought to life with distinctive culinary vision. The Foodies featured on The Discover List 2026 hail from countries including the United States, Brazil, Ireland, Spain, France, South Africa, Kenya, and the United Arab Emirates, reflecting the global language of food and culture.
Icons
These creators need no introduction as they set trends, build expansive communities, and redefine what it means to be modern creative. Synonymous with TikTok culture and beyond, they highlight the power of connection and inspiration. Icons on this year’s Discover List come from across the United States, Italy, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, and Saudi Arabia, demonstrating the worldwide influence of creators shaping today’s cultural conversations.
Innovators
Innovators are pioneers who boldly chart their own course, turning fearless originality into a spark of inspiration. They bring a personal, inventive, and sometimes unconventional approach to their content, embodying an audacious spirit and offering a perspective that’s entirely their own. In 2026, Innovators featured on the Discover List span countries such as Canada, Germany, Italy, Peru, Kazakhstan, and the United States, highlighting how creativity thrives through experimentation across cultures.
Originators
Originators are entrepreneurs, inventors, and business owners who bring energy and imagination to commerce, enabling people to discover products in creative ways. From TikTok Shop to TikTok LIVE, they highlight that authenticity and personal storytelling can build loyal communities, transform lives, and elevate entire industries. This year’s Originators represent markets including the United Kingdom, Italy, Australia, Indonesia, Kenya, South Africa, and the United States, showcasing the global evolution of digital entrepreneurship.
Celebrating Creators To Watch
Discover List 2026 creators are shaping trends, building careers, and reimagining what it means to be an Educator, Foodie, Icon, Innovator, and Originator — we are so excited to see what they will accomplish this year and beyond. Be sure to follow their journey at #TheDiscoverList on TikTok.
